Most people can’t paint perfectly straight lines. It’s too hard for the human hand to handle something so consistent. For your next painting project, you need to know about some great techniques that can help you achieve perfectly straight edges simply by using a few pieces of tape, some patience, and several coats of high-quality paint.

Classic Masking Technique

Now, you might have tried the classic masking technique before. In fact, you might have used masking tape several times only to have the paint bleed underneath the tape. The classic masking technique needs a special touch but not a lot of DIY painters know how to use masking tape properly.

Suppose that you’re going to paint a two-tone wall and you need those straight lines. Well, it’s possible with masking tape. First, apply your top color. Right now, the line between the top color and the dry wall doesn’t need to be perfect or straight. Place your masking tape over the top color where you want the line to be. The line will be wherever the bottom of your masking tape will be.

Now, paint over the bottom of the masking tape again using your top color. You might be confused at this point. Won’t that ruin the whole point? Actually, it won’t. Instead, it’ll keep your bottom color from bleeding through the masking tape.

Next, you’re going to want to take your bottom color and paint over the tape again. Be careful not to paint past the top of the masking tape. This will allow you to get your bottom coat done. Now, before the paint dries completely, remove your tape. You should have your perfectly straight edges.

Caulking and Masking

Now that you understand the classic masking technique, you can try the caulking and masking technique. For this, you’re going to need caulk, standard masking tape, and any paint that you’d like to use. This technique might take some practice but it’s arguably easier for certain painting jobs. For instance, suppose that you’d like to paint your wall but leave your ceiling the same color. To get started, apply your masking tape to the ceiling along the edge of the wall you’d like to paint. On the edge of the tape nearest the wall, apply a line of caulk over the tape. You’re going to want to essentially seal the edge so that no paint gets underneath the tape or bleeds through it.

After you apply the caulk, be sure to press it down. You can use your finger or, if you want an even more precise seal, try using a popsicle stick, tongue depressor, or chopstick. Apply your paint to the wall while remaining careful not to apply any paint on the ceiling. Let the paint dry for a little while but be careful not to let it dry all the way. Slowly peel the paint back and you should have achieved a perfectly straight edge between your ceiling and your wall.

Working with masking tape takes patience and practice so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing and you’ll be a pro painter in no time.